A Troubled Time / Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 22

Lucy smiled as she sat in the nearly empty Great Hall. The area was adorned in Christmas items from top to bottom. Various trees were scattered throughout the dining area with the largest one located at the center by the staff tables. Millions of floating candles illuminated the sky as light snow fell from the clouds above, but disappeared before it could hit the ground. Icicles and small garlands with red bows hung from the walls as well as in front of the fireplace.

The tables were filled with many items for students to eat. Lucy felt pity for the poor house elves, still preparing feasts with so few students in attendance during the break. Lucy put a few items on her plate, some small sandwiches and some mashed potatoes for lunch.

"I wish you would have told me sooner you were staying for the break." Natty spoke from beside her, filling her own plate with food.

"I know, Natty. I'm sorry. It completely slipped my mind to be honest. I wasn't really sure how holiday's work here." Lucy gave her a small smile, taking one of the sandwiches and eating it.

"I'm just giving you a hard time. How was your trip?" Natty asked, turning her attention to Lucy rather than the hot food sitting on her plate.

Lucy had run into Natty on her way back to the castle from Hogsmeade station. They only had enough time for a quick discussion before they went their separate ways.

"I really enjoyed it. I'd love to take you next time. It'd be nice to get a small group together." Lucy's eyes lit up at the thought. Having her closest friends staying together. Though, the one person she would desperately be missing would be Jess.

"We should do that anyway. We all need to go out for butterbeers at 'The Three Broomsticks.'" Natty giggled softly, seeing her excitement.

"Oh that would be so much friend, truly." Lucy said, resting in her seat, "How's your research on Harlow going?"

"Really well, actually. I plan to send an owl soon. I have an idea that may lead us closer." Natty clasped her hands together, a form of nervousness mixed with adrenaline covered her features.

"Is your mother still against you going out in your gazelle form?" Lucy asked.

Natty let her eyes roll upwards in annoyance, "Unfortunately. But I won't let her stop me." Natty shook her head, "Have you figured out any more information about your special gift?"

Lucy giggled softly, hearing her refer to her magic as a gift, "It's still a mystery. Sometimes my emotions get the better of me and I cannot control what happens."

"Not to sound like Sebastian, but perhaps you should try researching about it." Lucy jumped, turning her attention across the table, seeing Ominis take a seat. Despite wanting to keep her ability a secret, she couldn't keep it from Ominis. Especially after she found out he was a parselmouth.

"You scared me, Ominis." Lucy shook her head, "I didn't see you coming."

"Now you know how I feel." Ominis let a small smirk form on his face. He lifted his wand over the table, scanning the array of foods with it before grabbing what he liked, "I'm sure if you did some research, it could tell you how to control it. At least in an easier sense."

"As soon as I have the time, I shall look into it. Though, finding a book may be hard." Lucy shrugged.

"I'm sure you could sneak into the restricted section. Or have Sebastian do it for you." Ominis chuckled softly at the end.

"Merlin knows he's had plenty of experience with that." Natty laughed softly in agreement.

"What are we talking about?" Imelda also joined the table. Natty looked wary from her to Lucy. Ominis gripped his wand slightly tighter at her appearance.